Alstonville is a small charming township that lies halfway between Lismore and Ballina. It lies on the Alstonville Plateau which is a fertile remnant of the Mt Warning volcanic shield.
The early settlers cleared the “Big Scrub” rainforest to grow sugar cane. The area supports a diverse range of agriculture from beef and dairy to orchards growing bush foods and other commercial crops.
Now on the road less travelled, the Bruxner Highway now bypasses the town so it’s easily overlooked by travellers.
Bush foods native to the area include:
- tea trees,
- macadamia nuts,
- jelly bush,
- lemon myrtle and
- finger limes.
It’s well worth a drive in the surrounding area for the views of the different small farms, the earthy smells and the chance to grab a bargain at the farm gate produce.